CPIM Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the role of maintenance, repair, and operating supplies in inventory?

1. Support production

2. Support customer service

3. Support operations

4. Support purchasing

The correct answer is: Support operations

The statement that maintenance, repair, and operating supplies (MRO) in inventory support operations accurately reflects their vital role within an organization. MRO supplies include items such as tools, cleaning supplies, safety equipment, and replacement parts, all essential for ensuring that equipment operates smoothly and efficiently. These supplies are crucial for the day-to-day functioning of facilities and machinery, as they help prevent downtime due to equipment failure or failure of operational systems. In manufacturing contexts, for example, having the right MRO items on hand can mean the difference between continuous production and costly interruptions. Thus, the core function of MRO supplies is to maintain an operational environment that allows production and services to run without delays or issues. While MRO supplies can indirectly support other areas such as production and customer service by ensuring a smooth operational process, their primary role is to facilitate ongoing operations and keep everything running efficiently.